PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Hiroki Matsuoka (ranked 139 p4p, 17 weight class) and John Ramses (ranked 1759 p4p, 186 weight class). Chooooooooon! I think Matsuoka might be my favorite fighter, now he's come out to Tom Petty - Won’t back down. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Matsuoka
vs
Ramses

176 cm
36
155 lbs
12 - 3 - 0

171 cm
33
150 lbs
18 - 4 - 0

Good wrestling
Lethal high kicks
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

KOMBAT KLOTHING

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 12 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Hiroki Matsuoka!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 18 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, John Ramses!
The judges for this bout are Franklyn Lucas, John Roberts and Bruno Lombardi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Matsuoka connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Ramses momentarily.
Ramses throws a leg kick which misses Matsuoka's front leg but catches the back leg as Matsuoka tries to avoid it.
A telegraphed right hand from Ramses misses the target.
Matsuoka lands a jab to the head.
Matsuoka looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Matsuoka moves in looking to clinch but Ramses pushes him off.
Ramses misses with a takedown attempt - Matsuoka sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Matsuoka takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Matsuoka avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Ramses swats away the attempt to clinch by Matsuoka.
Ramses waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Matsuoka.
Matsuoka tries a head kick but it misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ramses bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Ramses throws a looping overhand right but Matsuoka ducks down to avoid it.
Ramses rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Matsuoka moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Ramses shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Matsuoka pinned against the cage. Matsuoka gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Ramses takes a jab right on the kisser.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Matsuoka cracks Ramses with an open hand slap.
Ramses fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Matsuoka is out of range.
Ramses moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Matsuoka defending well as Ramses loads up on a big left hand.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Ramses lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Matsuoka scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Matsuoka lands with a cross.
Matsuoka throws a nice looking combination but Ramses bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
A big left from Ramses misses.
Matsuoka scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Matsuoka swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Ramses.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Ramses scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Ramses throws a head kick but Matsuoka moves out of range.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Matsuoka lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Ramses has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Ramses and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Ramses looks to land a right hand but Matsuoka moved out of range.
Ramses looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ramses ducks under a wild hook from Matsuoka.

Ramses bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
You can see the frustration on Matsuoka's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Ramses trying to control the position but Matsuoka is working away.
Matsuoka is trying to control Ramses's posture but Ramses avoids it.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Ramses prevents Matsuoka from escaping the position.
Ramses is looking to take a break and control but Matsuoka is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Ramses working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.

Ramses thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ramses looking to punish the body of his opponent here but Matsuoka is avoiding damage well.
Matsuoka tries to bench press Ramses off him but Ramses keeps the position.

Ramses is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Matsuoka is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Matsuoka is trying to control Ramses's posture but Ramses avoids it.
Ramses working the ground and pound but Matsuoka is defending the strikes.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.

Ramses is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Matsuoka knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Matsuoka is trying to get back to half guard.

Ramses looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.

Ramses is trying to get an arm triangle but Matsuoka is defending well.

Ramses wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Matsuoka, who protects the arm well.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but John Ramses will probably get the nod.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Ramses uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Matsuoka.
Matsuoka blocks a leg kick.
Ramses throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Matsuoka fires out a quick counter leg kick but Ramses just manages to avoid it.
Ramses swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Matsuoka connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Ramses slips a straight right by Matsuoka.
Matsuoka slips a jab and a cross from Ramses.
Matsuoka checks a low kick from Ramses.
Ramses cracks Matsuoka with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Ramses stuffs the takedown.
Despite the aggression on Ramses's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
Ramses lands with a cross.
Matsuoka scores with a head kick.
Ramses lands with a hook. Matsuoka tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Ramses throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Matsuoka throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Ramses misses with a kick to the body.
Ramses throws a jab when Matsuoka was well out of range.
Matsuoka stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Ramses.
The fighters circling - Ramses throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Matsuoka is looking to counter punch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Matsuoka moves out of range as Ramses strikes.
A solid body kick from Ramses.
Matsuoka avoids the head kick by Ramses.
Matsuoka jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Matsuoka misses with a low kick.
Matsuoka moves away from the strike by Ramses.
Matsuoka lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Matsuoka misses with a leg kick.
Ramses feints and then cracks Matsuoka's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Matsuoka down.
Ramses bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Ramses throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Ramses throws a chopping leg kick but Matsuoka manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Ramses moves out of range as Matsuoka throws a body kick.
Ramses moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Matsuoka misses with a straight right.
Ramses chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Matsuoka can pounce on him.
Ramses scores with a jab to the jaw.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Matsuoka tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Ramses manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Ramses tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Matsuoka fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Ramses is out of range.
Matsuoka looks to score with a jab to the body but Ramses is just out of range.
Ramses scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Ramses fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
A slow jab from Matsuoka misses its intended target.
Matsuoka misses the jab.
Matsuoka misses with an uppercut.
Ramses cracks Matsuoka with an open hand slap.
Ramses gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Ramses scores with a hook to the body. Matsuoka takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Ramses thows a body kick. Matsuoka tries to catch it but that hurt him.
Ramses misses with a series of wild punches.
Matsuoka turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Hiroki Matsuoka is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Ramses shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Matsuoka's guard.

Matsuoka uses the cage to get back to his feet.
Matsuoka throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Ramses counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Ramses with a poor takedown
and Matsuoka counters with a nice uppercut.
Matsuoka leaves Ramses with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Ramses misses with a low kick.
Ramses slips a straight right by Matsuoka.
Matsuoka jabbing away but nothing is landing.
A cross from Matsuoka lands.
John Ramses seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Matsuoka bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Ramses's head backwards.
Ramses needs to keep his hands up - Matsuoka had a free shot at his head there.
Matsuoka staying out of range there.
A head kick misses from Matsuoka.
Ramses throws a head kick that misses.
A nice leg kick lands there from Matsuoka.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ramses missing with a left hand there. Matsuoka was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Matsuoka throws a big shot that misses.
Ramses scores with a hook to the body. Matsuoka takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Matsuoka cracks a nice hook into Ramses's ribs.
Matsuoka avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Matsuoka on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Matsuoka lands a front kick.

Matsuoka clinches with his opponent.
Ramses struggles to land a body shot inside as Matsuoka controls his hands.
Ramses has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Matsuoka is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Hiroki Matsuoka has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of John Ramses.
Matsuoka works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.

Ramses is working on a single leg takedown against the cage. Matsuoka can't fight it off and eventually Ramses manages to take the fight to the floor. Matsuoka looks annoyed but at least he's managed to land in guard.

Matsuoka pushes Ramses off and gets back to his feet.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Matsuoka walks into a stiff left hand from Ramses.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but John Ramses will probably get the nod - 10:9.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Nice defenses there by Ramses.
Ramses throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Matsuoka throws the left hand but Ramses avoids the punch easily.
Ramses with the counter takedown but Matsuoka avoids it easily.
Matsuoka scores with a hook.
Ramses lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Ramses throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Matsuoka tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Matsuoka backing away here, and Ramses unleashes a leg kick that just misses.
Matsuoka loads up on a big right hand but Ramses slips the punch.
Ramses throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Matsuoka throws a looping overhand right but Ramses ducks down to avoid it.
Matsuoka keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Ramses.
A slow jab from Matsuoka misses its intended target.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Matsuoka pulls out of a head kick attempt.
A looping hook to the body misses from Ramses. Matsuoka does a little dance to reset his feet.
Matsuoka misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Ramses lands a high kick!
Ramses ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Ramses swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ramses lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Matsuoka blocks the body kick.
Matsuoka takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.
Nice uppercut lands for Matsuoka. That snapped Ramses's head back.
Matsuoka looks to score with a jab to the body but Ramses is just out of range.
Ramses misses the jab.
Matsuoka takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Matsuoka misses with a hook
and Ramses counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Matsuoka ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Ramses throws a body shot but no joy.
Ramses darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Matsuoka slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Matsuoka scores with a jab.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Ramses fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Matsuoka.
Ramses works Matsuoka's body with a nice hook.
Ramses takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ramses checks the leg kick nicely there.
Matsuoka tries to clinch but Ramses is having none of it.
Ramses avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Ramses moves out of range of the strikes.
Matsuoka misses with a head kick.
A big left from Ramses misses.
Ramses looks to score with a jab to the body but Matsuoka is just out of range.
Matsuoka moves out of range as Ramses strikes.
Matsuoka listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Ramses on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Matsuoka. Matsuoka obviously looking to wear him down.
Good standup being displayed there by Ramses as he connects with a hook.
Matsuoka uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Ramses.
Crunch! Matsuoka slams his shin into Ramses's torso.
Matsuoka throws a lazy right hand but Ramses sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Ramses tries a low kick but Matsuoka avoids it.
Matsuoka throws a leg kick but Ramses sees it coming and moves out of range.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ramses is looking to slow Matsuoka down with leg kicks.
Matsuoka tries a low kick but Ramses avoids it.
Ramses misses with a low kick.
Matsuoka throws a head kick but Ramses moves out of range.
Ramses slips under a jab from Matsuoka.
Ramses cracks the inside of Matsuoka's front leg.
Ramses throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Ramses on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Matsuoka. Matsuoka obviously looking to wear him down.
Matsuoka steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Ramses.
Ramses lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Ramses keeps Matsuoka at a distance using the push kick.
Ramses connects with a nice looking jab.
Matsuoka moves away from the strike by Ramses.
Matsuoka wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
Matsuoka avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Ramses feints and then cracks Matsuoka's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Matsuoka down.
A slapping leg kick lands for Matsuoka.
Ramses misses with a hook.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Matsuoka throws a body shot but no joy.
Ramses tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Matsuoka tries a head kick but it misses.
Ramses scores with a hook.
Ramses ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Matsuoka takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Matsuoka misses the jab.
Matsuoka displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Ramses throws out the jab.
Matsuoka is looking to counter the offense by Ramses and move into the clinch.
Ramses takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Matsuoka takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Ramses throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Matsuoka sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Matsuoka moves away from the strike by Ramses.
Matsuoka misses with a head kick.
Ramses thumps Matsuoka with a low kick.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Matsuoka tries to clinch up.
A head kick misses from Matsuoka.
Ramses scoring well with a low kick there.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

John Ramses really dominated that round.
That's time! Matsuoka's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Ramses ducks under a wild hook from Matsuoka.
Matsuoka blocks a leg kick.
Good shot there by Matsuoka.
Ramses looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Nice body punch from Matsuoka.
Ramses's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Matsuoka throws a jab but it's blocked by Ramses.
Matsuoka works over Ramses's head and body with a nice combination.
Matsuoka slips under a jab from Ramses.
Matsuoka misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Ramses with the counter takedown but Matsuoka avoids it easily.
Matsuoka lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Ramses connects with a body shot.
Matsuoka misses with a low kick.
Ramses looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Ramses, right into the meat.
Ramses throws a sloppy head kick and Matsuoka moves out of range easily.
Matsuoka tried to counter with a leg kick but Ramses avoided it.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Matsuoka plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Ramses takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Ramses has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ramses throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Ramses misses with a hook

and Matsuoka counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Matsuoka lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Matsuoka stalling in the clinch.
Ramses tries for a takedown but Matsuoka manages to get underhooks.
Matsuoka looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Ramses misses with the head strike.
Ramses fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Ramses.
Ramses has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Ramses swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Come on Matsuoka - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Ramses swings wildly with an uppercut but Matsuoka uses good head movement to avoid it.
Ramses misses with a body punch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Matsuoka is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Ramses struggles to land a body shot inside as Matsuoka controls his hands.
Matsuoka working some nice short punches in the clinch.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Ramses.
A short uppercut from Ramses.
Ramses has had enough of the clinch but Matsuoka keeps him there for the moment.

Matsuoka breaks the clinch.

Matsuoka closes the distance and pushes Ramses back into the cage.
Matsuoka misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Ramses lands a left hand.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Ramses lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Matsuoka backwards.
Ramses lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Matsuoka.
Ramses goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Matsuoka misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Matsuoka misses with a punch to the body.
Matsuoka swings away with an uppercut that misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A head punch on the inside from Matsuoka fails to land.
Matsuoka working aggressively here.

Ramses breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Ramses defending well as Matsuoka loads up on a big left hand.
A nice inside leg kick there by Ramses. That's going to slow Matsuoka down.
A nice leg kick lands there from Matsuoka.
Matsuoka ducks under a wild hook from Ramses.
Ramses works Matsuoka's body with a nice hook.
Matsuoka does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Ramses misses with a few strikes there.
Matsuoka throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Ramses with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Matsuoka lands a really nice looking cross but Ramses seems unphased.
A punch lands to the side of Ramses 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Matsuoka ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Ramses swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Matsuoka fires out a quick counter leg kick but Ramses just manages to avoid it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ramses misses with a straight right.
Matsuoka slips under a jab.
Ramses throws a hook to the side of Matsuoka's head but Matsuoka sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Matsuoka cracks Ramses with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Ramses misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Matsuoka.
Ramses moves away from the strike by Matsuoka.

Ramses manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Matsuoka on his heels. He'll look to pass Matsuoka's guard now, I'm sure.
Ramses postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Ramses wants to pass the guard but Matsuoka is keeping the position.

The fighters are working up against the cage. Matsuoka manages to wriggle his way back to his feet, so the fighters are now clinched against the cage.
Ramses misses with a hook to the ribs.
Matsuoka tries to throw a body punch but Ramses avoids it by throwing Matsuoka back against the cage.
Matsuoka misses with a punch to the body.
Ramses lands with a left to the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Hiroki Matsuoka had his way with John Ramses in that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Ramses misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Matsuoka throws a hook to the side of Ramses's head but Ramses sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Ramses appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Matsuoka does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Ramses lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Ramses throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Matsuoka.
Nice jab there from Ramses.
Matsuoka takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Matsuoka slips under a jab from Ramses.
Matsuoka pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Matsuoka lands a really nice looking cross but Ramses seems unphased.
Ramses tried to score with a low kick but Matsuoka checks it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Matsuoka tries to move into range but Ramses moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Ramses fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Matsuoka checks it well.
Ramses cracks the inside of Matsuoka's front leg.
Matsuoka is looking to score with low kicks.
Ramses comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Ramses lands with a cross.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Matsuoka throws out a loose jab but Ramses uses good head movement to avoid it.
Ramses tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Ramses tries to bum rush Matsuoka with a series of wild strikes but Matsuoka uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Ramses keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Matsuoka.
Matsuoka tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Matsuoka bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Ramses throws a leg kick but Matsuoka sees it coming and moves out of range.
Matsuoka throws a low kick but Ramses avoids it.
Ramses feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Matsuoka's calf.
Matsuoka checks the leg kick nicely there.
Ramses misses with a looping right.
Ramses throws a low kick but Matsuoka moves out of range easily.
Ramses pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Ramses takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Matsuoka throws a hook but Ramses avoids it easily.
Ramses throws a hook but Matsuoka avoids it easily.
Matsuoka throws a hook but Ramses blocks it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Matsuoka goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Ramses misses with a low kick.
Ramses scores with a leg kick.
Matsuoka throws a sloppy head kick and Ramses moves out of range easily.
Matsuoka misses with a hook.
Matsuoka throws a head kick but Ramses moves out of range.
Matsuoka throws an off balance right hand
and Ramses counters with a flying knee. Nice.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Ramses takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Ramses lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Ramses moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.

Matsuoka clinches up against the cage.

Ramses breaks from the clinch.
Ramses lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Ramses works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Matsuoka throws a sloppy head kick and Ramses moves out of range easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Matsuoka is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Matsuoka getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Ramses dips to his left and cracks Matsuoka with an uppercut!
Ramses shoots in for a takedown but Matsuoka shows good takedown defense.
Matsuoka misses with a head kick.
Matsuoka misses with a head kick.
Hiroki Matsuoka has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Matsuoka throws a hook to the side of Ramses's head but Ramses sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Ramses looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Ramses blocks a head kick by Matsuoka.
Matsuoka lands a leg kick that knocks Ramses off balance momentarily.
Matsuoka fails with an attempt to clinch.
Matsuoka tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Ramses paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Ramses turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Ramses scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Matsuoka doesn't seem bothered though.
Ramses tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ramses lands a nice leg kick that just misses Matsuoka's sensitive parts.
Ramses's corner calls for a 1-2. Ramses obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Matsuoka jabbing away but nothing is landing.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Matsuoka misses the jab.
Nice shot by Matsuoka.
Ramses throws a head kick that misses.
Matsuoka chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Ramses can pounce on him.
A head kick misses from Matsuoka.
A lazy left from Ramses finds it's target.
Matsuoka lands a jab to the nose.
Ramses blocks a head kick by Matsuoka.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - a gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Matsuoka takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Matsuoka throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Ramses avoids the head kick by Matsuoka.
Ramses feints and then cracks Matsuoka's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Matsuoka down.
Good shot there by Ramses.

And that's the end of the fight!
John Ramses comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Ramses has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Franklyn Lucas scores the fight 46:49
Judge John Roberts scores the fight 46:49
Judge Bruno Lombardi scores the fight 47:49

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... John Ramses!
John Ramses is the new featherweight champion!
John Ramses spent the whole post fight interview bigging himself up. It didn't go down that well with the fans after a while as they thought it was a bit arrogant.